Chapter 38: Leonard
Chapter 38: Leonardo’s POV
I ensure Claire made it into Jasmine’s home safely before getting back into the town car. Part of me wanted to invite myself in and show Claire how proud of her I really was but I needed to respect her decision. She had asked for the divorce because she needed it and as much as I wanted Claire to return to me, it would have to be on her terms. Not mine.
I sit down in the town car and tell the driver to take me home. Just as I see the house fading from my view, I get a phone call from my mother
“Hello Mother, is everything alright?” She had never called at this hour. This must be important.
“Leo, I think it’s time we talk about your future. I’ve asked Charlotte to leave the house after her mentioning that she is able to walk again.” She says promptly. Mother had always seemed fond of Charlotte until now.’I wonder what has Charlotte said to make her feel otherwise.
“What’s going on, mother? I remember you always being fond of Charlotte.” I word it carefully as to not disrespect her.
“Charlotte’s father has been extremely shameful is his business and finances. He has been arrested for embezzlement, money laundering, and fraud. I fear that the relationship between you and Charlotte will paint an unpleasant image for your company.” She states seriously.
“Mother, she is not her fathers‘ choices. Charlotte has always been trusting and kind.” I say truthfully.
“Leonardo, the crimes he committed started shortly after your father agreed to endorse and financially back his company – a gesture of your guilt. Your father wanted to help them as Charlotte helped you when that car was supposed to hit you. He lost millions of dollars.” I stay silent. I remember my father having a meeting in which he refused to help Charlotte’s father financially and it happened shortly before we were kidnapped – the day of Charlotte’s accident.
“Mother, do you think he could’ve been the one to have Charlotte and I kidnapped all those years ago?” I ask in a hushed tone.
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“I believe it’s possible. But why would he have hurt Charlotte?” She asks as she ponders the thought.
“I don’t think he meant too but now it’s starting to make sense. Maybe Charlotte was a victim of his greed as well.”
“Leo, I understand you wanting clarity but this does not change the fact, Charlotte’s presence will tarnish your image and your company’s reputation. I believe it is time that you focus on Claire. Her glittering success makes her the perfect person to stand at your side” I freeze as 1 had never anticipated hearing my mother acknowledge Claire in a positive way.
“You want me to get Claire back?” I ask quizzically.
“Well dear, sometimes we are blind to what we need or who, for that matter. Claire may not
Chapter 38: Leonardo’s POV
have been the most appealing at first but she has grown into a marvelously successful woman. And a woman of such renowned is the type of woman I want you to be with. I’m sure she’ll have you.” She says as if this is a business transaction.
“Mother, Claire and I are divorced.” I say blankly I hadn’t told anyone of our estrangement other than her staying with a friend.
“Divorce?!” She screams in a high–pitch.
“Mother, Claire left me after she lost our child.” I say in shame as I bow my head. I wait until I hear her say defeatedly.
“What was the child?” I knew what she meant.
“Claire was carrying our son.” I say quietly.
“Oh Leo, an heir to our family. What happened?” She said sadly.
“Claire was kidnapped and brutally attacked. Someone had hired a man to ensure our child would never be born. I’m still investigating who could’ve done this.” I reply as I clench my hands into fists.
“I am sorry, son. But you must listen to me – you will not mutter a word of this investigation to anyone. You will remove Charlotte from your home immediately before the press finds out and you will focus on repairing your marriage with Claire. I know I was unkind to her and we did not accept her but she will be a great addition to our family.” I listen carefully before responding.
“I’m doing everything I can to get Claire back, mother. But I am no longer in the position to sway things. Claire has to decide whether or not she is better off without me.” I say sadly.
“Be patient. All will be well in due time. I’ll speak with you soon.” She says as she hands up the phone. I look up to see my home come into view and decide to keep everything I’ve learned to myself.
Charlotte’s father was a criminal amongst many other things but was he really capable of crippling his own daughter?
And how would Charlotte feel once I ask her to leave?
